All About Chris Koval

Chris Koval was born on July 21, 1982 in someplace, Ohio. Chris was never one of those fighters who were introduced to boxing at an early age. His boxing career started during his sophomore year in high school when he won the local K.O. Drugs championship. Koval also had boxing roots: he’s the third cousin of middleweight contender Kelly Pavlik. Chris won his first amateur fight over current football star Maurice Clarett. It was at that point when Koval knew he was born to lace up the gloves.

Koval turned pro on January 25, 2003. He knocked out Charles “The Hammer” Hess in one round. Koval proceeded to fight ten more times in under eight months. Even though he was 11-0 (10), he still needed a challenge to get the recognition he deserved.

The moment finally came on September 2, 2003, when Koval fought Thomas Hayes in an eight rounder. The fight was televised on ESPN2. This was Koval’s first big opportunity as a professional boxer. Chris didn’t looked bothered over the fact world famous trainer Kevin Rooney was in the corner in Hayes. Koval seemed to thrive on the challenge. In the pre fight interview, he discussed the importance of establishing his jab. He looked ready to conquer the world. Unfortunately for Koval, he got caught cold. Hayes staggered him, pushed his body against the ropes, and let the boms fly. After seventy-four seconds, Hayes had his hand raised and Koval was left in a daze.

One might think that a devastating knockout loss would seriously derail a fighter’s career. Chris Koval was the exception. Just over a month later, Koval stepped into the ring against Toby Vaughn in a West Virginia State elimination bout. Despite getting knocked down in round one, Koval picked himself off the canvas and stopped Vaughn in round three. The comeback was complete.

Chris continued to prove the loss was a fluke by going 7-0 (5) in 2004. He has stepped up the level of competition by stopping durable Dallas Lane and experienced Carlos “Norman” Bates in the first round. Chris is ready to once again take on the world. Soon his goal of bringing back the heavyweight title to his adoring fans in Ohio will be fulfilled.

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